Sgraffito Powder Challenge

ByKarenS Editor

We are on the countdown

On July 7th we will start our challenge… this is a challenge with yourself to build your skills in working with black glass powder, not a competition with others. You will be creating imagery using a subtractive technique: light areas are created by scraping away the powder and dark areas are created by adding powder. Each day we will post a different subject matter for you to create on either white or french vanilla glass. Some exercises will be time driven and some will be restrictive on the tools you may use…all are to increase both your skills and the tools in your tool box. For example one assignment will be creating imagery with your non dominant hand, another one will be to create five different images with only five minutes for each creation.

In order to participate, you will ask to join the PNWGG 2024 Powder Challenge closed Facebook group (the link is also on the the event listing ). This challenge will be open to anyone who wishes to participate so feel free to invite your friends to be part of this journey.

If you didn’t attend the June General meeting you can still see Kelly Crosse Alge’s video: https://youtu.be/-fG8StyzuRA?si=acUuubI67wWZnmug for an advanced example of how effective this technique can be.

Each evening starting on July 7th the exercise to be completed for following day will be posted. You are encouraged to post the results of your work to create a wonderful collection of imagery that everyone can who is participating can refer to for sharing and learning. You do not need to fire each exercise but make sure you take a picture to post before dumping in readiness for the next day.

We will be checking in with those who sign up to do the challenge if they are not posting their work…in fairness to everyone else you are expected to participate and not just lurk.

Please only post as per the instructions you receive each day…there is lots of room for creativity so you will be amazed at the different ways the exercise gets interpreted which is very inspiring.

We look forward to having your participation in this fun, exciting journey over the course of the 30 days and when you reflect on your work you will be amazed at your progress…so lets get started and see you in the PNWGG 2024 Powder Challenge Facebook group…we cant wait to get started…see you there!!!

If you have any questions, please contact either Greta Schneider or Rae Williamson

Similar Posts

  • Do you want to show (and sell) your glass art?

    Other News

    to the expected 20,000+ visitors at the Gathering of the Guilds show April 28-30 but only have a few pieces and don’t live close to Portland? We now have a volunteer who is willing to pick up your art at a drop-off point in Seattle and transport it to and from the show to save you from having to find a way to get it to Portland. In the Individual Artist Spotlight section we will light, display, and sell up to 3 pieces for members who can’t do a booth and who have arranged with us in advance to be part of the Spotlight area. For more details see the Spotlight section of the Gathering of the Guilds registration info.

  • General Meeting via Zoom

    Other News

    March 24 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm Pacific Time: POSTPONED to MAY

    Kiln Carving

    Join us as speakers Greta Schneider, Rae Williamson and Carlyne Lynch share the process of kiln carving, which involves cutting a pattern or design in ceramic fiber paper and stacking glass on top of the pattern and firing the piece in a kiln.

    Contact the VPs, Barb Kienle and Carlyne Lynch, to get on the speakers list if you want to share on the topic.

    *Members, log in to view this info.*
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83686557347?pwd=Y2hwTFgwSDlOZ0t0NjFTRjFla0ovdz09

  • Mark Your Summer Calendars!

    Event Reminder, Other News

    Calling all artists living in the Independence, Oregon region (near Salem). Registration is now open to any glass artist for the Guild’s Mid-Willamette Valley Glass Art Show on August 1st. Hosted by Guild sponsor Maganda Glassworks, this show is a great opportunity for mid-Valley artists to showcase your work, either in your home studio or at Maganda Glassworks. More information is available on the Registration page. Don’t delay – the deadline for registration is June 20th.

    And Registration for the Portland area’s September 19-20 Annual Open Studios Tour is also open (PNW Glass Guild Members only). That deadline is July 20th

    Summer Glass Events (PNW Glass Guild events are bolded)- More details on the event page.

    June 24 – Fairview, OR: Sherlocking

    June 27 – Lakewood, WA: Community Glass Art show

    June 28 – Online, PNW Glass Guild General Meeting

    July 18 – Battleground, WA: Art in the Garden show

    July 19 – Seattle, WA: PNW Glass Guild Picnic

    August 1 – Independence, OR: Mid-Willamette Valley Glass Art Show

    August 15 – Fairview, OR: PNW Glass Guild Picnic

    August 29 – Independence, OR: PNW Glass Guild Picnic

    If you are showing your work in a summer show, please tell us, so we can share with other glass artists and glass lovers!

  • Gatherings of Guild Show – Booth Sales

    Other News

    Lets show that Glass Artists do it best…

    April 28th to the 30th Gathering of the Guilds (GOTG) Show in Portland OR expects 20,000 plus art lovers and purchasers to come visit the show. People are excited to get out and see your artwork in person and to chat with you.

    We offer several alternatives for booths including a group booth and a special spot for new and emerging artists. We also have opportunities in the “Spotlight” for up to three of your masterpieces without having to be at the actual show.

    If you are new to selling at a show, we are here to support each others’ success and can walk you through your maiden voyage.

    One of this year’s artists who was in last years show noted that customers were saying “Thank you for having this show again – we are over the moon about seeing artist’s work again in person and have been missing this experience so much. It is a joy to see the creativity and beauty that is in all the work that is in this show and it has far exceeded our expectations”. Can’t wait to hear what they say about this years show!

    So sign up soon…you need to act now as some of the other Guilds have waiting lists and want to purchase any unsold booths.

    For details see the GOTG registration page https://www.pnwglassguild.org/gotg-registration-info/ . If you have questions please text the GOTG coordinator Lesley Kelly at 503-816-3981 and she’ll call you back.

    Gathering of the Guilds 2022 Show starts setting up

  • Other events coming up quickly:

    Other News

    The newsletter is coming out next week but here’s a quick heads up so you don’t miss things:

    28-Sept 23 Linda Gerrard Featured Artist at the Alberta Street Gallery, Portland OR
    30-Sept 1 Art In The Pearl, Portland OR, Say hi to member Sean Goddard
    30 Guild Picnic, Fairview OR (NE Portland) Be sure to tell Margie you’re coming!!!
    31 GACO Art Show, Bend OR Say Hi to member Robin McQuiston

    September
    5 ACE Glass Exhibit opens, LaGrande OR Come see their first glass exhibit.
    13-14 Open Studios, 5-county Portland area 10 artists in 4 studios, map soon.

  • Guild Picnic in Seattle This Sunday at 11 am

    Other News

    Karen Seymour will host a potluck Guild Picnic and Mold Exchange in her shady back yard near the Zoo on Sunday July 28th from 11am until about 2 pm. Spouses, friends, and anyone else interested in glass is welcome to attend.

    Plates, cups, utensils, water and lemonade will be supplied. Please bring a dish to feed about 8 and if you want something in particular other than water to drink you might bring that too. Feel free to also bring a recent piece of your work to show off or troubleshoot. We all love to talk about glass!

    Mold Exchange: If you have a fusing, blowing, or stained glass mold you don’t use any more, bring it to trade for something you might use (No, you can’t leave it here at the end of the party!).

    The address is 5415 Greenwood Ave N. Seattle, WA. Look for the house with the grape vines in front, walk down the alley and up the 3 steps into the back yard. If you can’t find street parking, parking for a few cars in the church lot across the street is OK if you put “Friend of SJU” on a note on your dash.

    Let Karen, 2 0 6-5 2 5-1 5 7 7 know you are coming so she puts out enough chairs etc. It’s really hard to do so after guests start arriving.